2018 Leadership in Motion Awards

We’ve all seen the housing developments pop up, enjoyed the new shopping centers, and lamented about the slowing traffic. We’ve read the articles, listened to the radio shows, and spoken with our fellow community members about the statistics.

There’s no doubt about it – the Treasure Valley is growing.

And in order to sustain the community that we know and love, it’s imperative that our leadership has both a vision and set of goals in place to manage this influx of growth.

So, where do we find this leadership?

It’s simple – it’s all around us in the individuals, businesses, non-profits, and projects that make the Treasure Valley what it is. Just as we recognize our friends and family for a job well done, here at COMPASS we do the same in the form of Leadership in Motion awards.

Leadership in Motion awards recognize businesses/nonprofits, individuals, and projects that have demonstrated leadership in supporting Communities in Motion 2040 (CIM 2040) – the regional long-range transportation plan for Ada and Canyon Counties. This plan provides both the vision and a set of goals to guide successful leadership.

CIM 2040 focuses on eight specific elements – and 17 related goals – to guide plans for the future:

• Transportation
• Land Use
•  Housing
• Community Infrastructure
• Health
• Economic Development
• Open Space
• Farmland

Based on these elements, the Leadership in Motion awards shine a spotlight on what is working; specifically, how CIM 2040 and its goals are being implemented. They facilitate the sharing of good ideas, strategies, and tactics throughout the community to propel us toward a better future.

As you take a look at the growth occurring around the Treasure Valley, I urge you to also keep an eye out for the people, businesses, or projects that are working to lead, serve, and inspire. Once you’ve done this, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the nomination criteria and take a moment to recognize the efforts being made in your community. People or projects that support any of the eight elements are eligible to be nominated.

Feel free to check out last year’s winners for inspiration.

This year’s awards will recognize efforts and projects that occurred between July 2017 and June 2018. Nominations will be accepted through 12:00 pm, Friday, September 28, 2018. Leadership in Motion awards will be presented on Monday, December 17, 2018, at the COMPASS/Valley Regional Transit Board Holiday Luncheon.

Growth means change, and change can be scary. But I have no doubt that the leadership I have seen throughout the Treasure Valley is exactly the kind of innovative and goal-driven action that will help our community continue to thrive.

Prioritizing: Time, Money, and Transportation

Summer is in full swing here in the Treasure Valley, and with the rise in temperature comes an abundance of fun activities to explore with your friends and family. From camping, swimming, and hiking, to attending concerts and enjoying community events, the list of things to do can seem practically endless.

To fit the most into your summer, you’ve most likely made a budget for both your time and money. Your calendar is filled from June through September with vacation days you’ve saved up and your piggy bank is heavier than it was in January.

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to check off every bullet on your vacation bucket list – you have to prioritize. Those items that don't quite fit into this year’s summer "budget" may fall onto next year’s calendar. And, with opportunities like unexpected raises or free weekends, new activities can be added into your summer plans.  

Just like this, COMPASS must prioritize the region’s five-year budget of transportation projects. The budget – the Regional Transportation Improvement Program, or “TIP,” – is updated each year as new projects are added and old projects are completed and removed - similar to checking off those summer bucket list items!

The draft TIP contains over 150 other federally funded, state funded, and “regionally significant” projects that address regional transportation needs. Projects in the TIP range from large to small, and from roads, bridges, and buses, to pathways, sidewalks, and more. Most are proposed for funding between FY2019 and 2023, though some projects in the early planning stages are in the budget in preparation for construction or implementation beyond 2023.

But, we don’t update the TIP in a vacuum. Over the next month, we’re asking you to review and comment on the proposed projects. Are they the transportation projects you think are highest priority?

In addition to this opportunity, we’re also asking for comments on a proposed change to Communities in Motion 2040, the regional long-range transportation plan for Ada and Canyon Counties. The change would add a study to evaluate the environmental impacts of widening State Highway 55 from two lanes to five lanes in Canyon County, from Sunny Slope Road to Middleton Road.

Just like when choosing which summer plans to prioritize over others, we must do the same with transportation projects in terms of time, budget, and necessity. Defining our community goals, evaluating the “regionally significant” transportation projects, and building a budget that addresses the most pressing needs throughout Ada and Canyon Counties will help the Treasure Valley continue to be the place we know and love.

I encourage you to learn more about the TIP and Communities in Motion 2040, review the proposed projects and changes, then submit your comments no later than Thursday, August 30.

Tell us if you agree with the projects proposed for funding and the proposed change to Communities in Motion 2040. The COMPASS Board will be provided with all public comments before making any decisions in October.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer and all that the Treasure Valley has to offer!